More than 50 people in need helped into accommodation in Wolverhampton amid Covid-19

Leaders across the city have come together to help those who were rough sleeping or facing the threat of homelessness.

It comes as Wolverhampton Council leader Ian Brookfield said no-one had to sleep outside – or go hungry – in the city.

But he stressed more needed to be done to prevent someone becoming homeless in the first place.

Councillor Brookfield said: "Nobody has to sleep outside in our city and nobody has to go hungry.

Many of those who are homeless have complex needs, including physical and mental health problems.

"Our public health and housing teams’ partnership approach with homelessness organisations across the city is delivering positive results.

"We are supporting people into accommodation and giving them access to the services they need, meaning the number of rough sleepers on our streets is falling."

"However, there is still more to do, and the council continues to actively work with its partner agencies to find longer-term solutions for preventing someone from becoming homeless in the first place and rough sleeping in the city."

Partners in the city have also supported 20 people into treatment for substance misuse during the pandemic.

And people who were in shared emergency accommodation and sofa surfing have also been given a place to stay.

Councillor Jacqueline Sweetman, cabinet member for city assets and housing, added: "This is all in addition to the work that partners are carrying out to support some of Wolverhampton’s most vulnerable residents.

"Everyone involved has been working hard to adjust to the increase in demand on roles and services, whilst working to keep all staff and clients safe.

"The work during the coronavirus crisis has built on the collaborative, partnership working approach to services for homeless individuals and rough sleepers in Wolverhampton.

"The positive relationships between partners at all levels have meant that residents receive the best service possible which is having real outcomes.

"There have been many positive success stories with some residents, who are entrenched rough sleepers, engaging with services for the first time or after a long break."

Partners include P3, St George's Hub, Wolverhampton Homes, Wolverhampton BID, ChangingLives and others.

Sam Bailey, head of services at P3 for the West Midlands, said: "The P3 Wolverhampton team have continued to deliver an extraordinary level of support to vulnerable and socially excluded people across the city.

"By working with our commissioners and partner agencies in Wolverhampton we have been able to help so many people. Together, we pulled out all the stops.

"It’s taken hard work, determination and skill to accomplish this, with a good dose of kindness, compassion and empathy too."

To contact support services for those in need, visit https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/housing/homelessness/rough-sleepers.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/alternativegiving.